Pet Travel. Made Easy.

What Is It Like To Cross the Canadian Border With Your Pets?

Crossing the border into Canada with your pets can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’ve never done it before. And even if you have, pulling up to the border agent’s booth can be a little stressful. Knowing that something you say, the way you say it, how you look, some obscure pattern in your border crossing frequency, the moodiness of the agent, or pure random luck could have you spending some time watching your vehicle being searched and then packing it all back up … well, that causes a certain amount of heartburn.

I try to be polite, but not suspiciously so … it’s a fine line to walk. Answer the questions without getting too chatty, which is hard when I’m nervous! I probably have nothing to worry about. Honestly, if you were looking to smuggle something over the border, what idiot would choose this vehicle combination?

All but one of the times we’ve crossed the border to Canada has been completely uneventful. That one time, we were actually on our way back to the States and were dealing with US border patrol. They did have us pull over and get out while they walked through the RV, opening cabinets and checking in drawers while Buster barked BLOODY MURDER! It only took a few minutes, though it seemed much longer at the time, and then we were on our way.

A couple weeks ago we headed north from Glacier National Park and crossed the border at Port of Roosville, British Columbia. If you haven’t been to Canada with your pets, below is a transcript of the conversation we had with the border agent (which was much the same as we’ve had on previous trips) and is typical of what you should expect:

Crossing the Border to Canada

Amy, pulling up to the window at the border crossing: Hello.

Border Agent: How are you?

Amy: We’re good. How are you today?

Border Agent: Good.

Buster: WOOF, WOOF!!

Rod to Agent: Buster’s says “hello.”

Buster: Woof!

Border Agent: Alright, what is the reason for your visit today?

Amy: We’re visiting Banff and Jasper.

Border Agent: Alright, how long are you going to be there?

Amy: Um, probably a couple of weeks.

Buster: Woof, WOOF.

Border Agent: Any friends or family there?

Amy: No.

Border Agent: Okay, so just tourists?

Amy: Yep.

Buster: WOOF, woof.

Border Agent: Have you been to Canada before?

Amy: Yes, we have.

Border Agent: I thought you spoke Canadian rather well!

Amy: Ha, ha, ha.

Border Agent: The pups’ rabies vaccinations are up to date, right?

Buster: Woof!!

Amy: Yes, they are. We have their certificates if you’d like to see them.

Border Agent: No, that’s fine. Does anybody in the vehicle have any fireworks, firearms, or other weapons?

Amy: It’s a website that makes it easy for people to plan trips with their pets.

Border Agent: So, you don’t have any pets now, though, right?

Amy: I do have pets – we have our own two dogs with us.

Border Agent: Oh, okay, but you’re not transporting other people’s pets for them?

Amy and Rod (in stereo): No!

Border Agent: Any fruits and vegetables?

Amy: We did buy strawberries, blueberries and lettuce.

Border Agent: Alright, have a good day.

Amy and Rod (in stereo): Thank you!

And, as easy as that, we were back in the USA.

Although neither border agent asked to see the dogs’ rabies vaccination certificate, I’d never try crossing the border without having their up-to-date documentation in hand. Other than that, as you can see, most of the time it’s a pretty simple process. Just so you have all the facts, we also have some official tips for crossing the Canadian border.

Due to an increase in requests for these agreements, an investigation was performed that revealed that many people were not complying with the requirements. Now all requests for confinement agreements will be be individually reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and must be pre-approved before crossing the border into the United States. Find out the steps you need to take to make sure your travel plans are not derailed.

Has your experience crossing the border been the same as ours?

More Tips

Are you planning a trip to Canada with your dog, with your cat, or both?! We have two posts with more information and tips for you here:

Hello – we are going up to Canada from the US and taking an unopened bag of dog food per the regulation. Does anyone know if it’s an issue for us to return to the US with this same bag? Just wondering if the US border agents will have an issue since it will have been opened. Thanks.

Hi Heidi! It sounds like you have a fun trip planned. You should be fine returning to the US with an open bag of pet food. The rules on bringing pet food into the US are not as strict as those going into Canada. Waggin’ trails!

Hi Brennen! Wow – that sounds like quite an adventure! No, I wouldn’t expect to get any hassle from the border agents regarding your dog as long as you’re able to provide them with a current rabies certificate. Good luck on your trip, and waggin’ trails!

hey! I’m planning on doing a big walking trip from northern BC to Coloerado and i am wondering if i should be prepared to be hassled by the border agents? He has all his shots and paperwork.but i haven’t heard of anyone doing this so i figured i’d leave a comment and be a bit more prepared cheers!

Hi Jonette! We have crossed the Canadian border by ferry, and it’s much the same as driving across. As long as your pet appears healthy, all you’ll need is a valid rabies certificate. It’s a little dated, but if you’d like to read about our trip, I blogged about it here: https://blog.gopetfriendly.com/visiting-canada-with-dogs/Waggin‘ trails to you!

GoPetFriendly.com Is there a link that people can post to, in the breed baned locals to note “hey, just so you know, you are not getting my tourist dollars, idoits!”? Don’t have a pit mix, nor does she look like one, but have had her DNA done & I am laminating it & having it with me JIC.

Don’t know about the legal accessibility laws in Canada. I am sure they are posted. However, in general Canada is more tollerent to (dogs at least) animals than the US. It is up to the establishment, with food distribution areas being more “selective”, in general. This is true for shops & National Park trails & buildings. Trails, they allow it, don’t recommend it very lengthly & strongly, but they allow; some exceptions due to “sensitive ecology” but it is explained. Even the hike in an area where they required hiking groups of 6 (people, preferably 16 or older counted as the minimum 6) they allowed animals (heavy bear of the grizzly type activity). Last time we were in Banif was 2012. Going again this summer & we have a service dog, now. 2012 we had a non-service dog, but had an RV + she was not a hiker, but she did go on the trams & shorter hikes with us with no problem.